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In this article, we will discuss in-depth the steps required to upgrade your BMW’s navigation computer, display, software, and maps. The information in this article is only applicable to BMWs that speak the same ‘language’. All of the following models speak this same language, utilize the same connectors, and make use of the same hardware/software interface:

E38 7-series (1994-2001)

E46 3-series (1999-2006)

E39 5-series (1996-2003)

E53 X5 (2000-2006)

E83 X3 (2004-2010)

E52 Z8 (2000-2003)

*It is important to note that in order to upgrade your navigation system, you must first have a navigation system from factory. Retrofitting navigation to a car that did not originally come with one, while not impossible, is exceedingly challenging, time consuming, and expensive. This article does not cover or support such an endevour.

*I will also note that BMWs produced for the Japanese market are not supported in this article. They used completely different wiring harnesses and electronic components for some reason, and they do not speak the same language.

Please read this article and watch these videos in full before commenting with questions. I have gone out of my way to make this article very thorough and comprehensive.

I purchased my 2000 BMW E39 M5 in July of 2010. Per the VIN sticker on the inside B-pillar of the driver’s door, my car was produced 2/00 (February, 2000). This makes it a pre-facelift E39 with navigation. More specifically, it had BMW’s MKII navigation computer, and the 4:3 (small, square) display in the dashboard. Upgrading to the latest available components is actually a very simple process. For example, upgrading the first BMW made with navigation to the latest system in this generation of navigation systems hardware is simple. Very few modifications are required.

At the bottom of this article, you will find four embedded videos that detail the upgrade procedure in an E39 5-series. Other models will be essentially the same process. The first video demonstrates upgrading from a MKII computer to a MKIV, and the 4:3 to 16:9 display. The second video shows the software update process. For select MKIII computers, you will need to reference the third video, which shows how to create and use a Key-CD. The final video clearly demonstrates how to make your own MKIV V32 software update disc.

We will now move on to identifying the hardware.

NAVIGATION COMPUTERS

MKI

The MKI computer starts this generation of BMW navigation systems. The MKI first appeared in 1994 in the E38 7-series, and was moved into the E39 in 1995. The MKI is the slowest system out of the four, and can be thought of as the first iPhone. It did the job, but was excruciatingly slow, and lacked a lot of functionality, as well as graphical features when compared to the later models. MKI computers used only CD-ROM maps, had an external compass, and required a trimble module in-between the computer and GPS antenna. The MKI and MKII look identical (identifiable with a square eject button).

MKII

MKII computers started being included for the 1998 model year, and now had the compass built in the still required trimble. Hardware specifications improved, making the system slightly faster than a MKI. A female voice now replaced the MKI’s male voice, and CD-ROMs were still used for maps.

(Above) MKII front. MKI looks identical.

(Above) MKII Rear. MKI has slightly different rear connectors.

MKIII

The MKIII arrived for the 2001 model year in E38 and E39 models. Note that 9/00 production marked the beginning of the 2001 model year. The trimble is now built into the MKIII, meaning that the antenna simply plugs into the back of the computer now. The system is again faster, making the entire experience much smoother. MKIII systems can run a vastly improved software version as well, which is a huge cosmetic improvement over the MKI and MKII’s software. MKIII computers are the first to handle split-screen mode and significantly better GPS-Navigation function and directions. CD-ROMs are still the only accepted media for maps. MKIII has a rounded eject button.

MKIV

BMW’s MKIV computer is the best available for this generation of cars. The setup is the same as the MKIII, but the MKIV is faster yet, and now uses DVDs for maps, which means that the entire United States and Canada can fit on one DVD, instead of eight CDs. Note that as of 2012, there are two DVDs (Eastern US and Western US, both include Canada) due to the amount of detail, and POIs (Points of Interest). MKIV has rounded eject button, and has “DVD” printed on the front, below the disc-loading point.

Note that all navigation computers are compatible with both the 4:3 and 16:9 display. Any mix and match will be compatible, though the graphics may be stretched or shrunk to fit different display ratios.

Removing the existing computer involves depressing four metal clips (two on each side of the computer) and wiggling the unit out of it’s metal housing bracket. No tools are needed for this. When pulled out far enough, you’ll be able to disconnect the blue and purple harnesses (one power, one data to display inside the car).

For this upgrade, you will be required to bypass the trimble. The trimble is a module that works in-between the GPS antenna wire and the navigation computer. The MKIII and MKIV computers have this technology built into the computer itself, so the Trimble is no longer needed. We must pull the antenna cable from the trimble, and connect it directly to the MKIII or MKIV. The trimble is located on the back of the amplifier, which will need to be removed so we can access the cable, and remove the trimble altogether if desired. You can also just unplug it and leave it there. This job is simple, but takes some time to un-screw everything, and disconnect anything in the way (with the car’s battery disconnected). Simply pull the thin GPS antenna and power supply from the trimble, leave the power supply wire hanging, and connect the antenna wire to the rear of the MKIII or MKIV instead of the Trimble. The blue and purple connectors will be plug and play.

MKIII to MKIV

Completely plug and play, no modifications required. Blue to blue, purple to purple, antenna to antenna.

Touring E39

On a touring E39, you’ll need a GPS antenna extension cable to bypass the trimble when upgrading to MKIII or MKIV computer. This part number is 61128377434.

NAVIGATION DISPLAYS

BMW used two displays: the 4:3, and the 16:9. The smaller screen was used from 1994-2000 (up to 8/00 production). For the 2001 model year, 9/00 production and later, the 16:9 display took over. The tape deck moved behind the fold-out display, and the buttons now flanked the wider display on either side.

Upgrading From 4:3 to 16:9

(Above) 4:3 display.

(Above) 16:9 display.

Note that all navigation computers are compatible with both the 4:3 and 16:9 display. Any mix and match will be compatible, though the graphics may be stretched or shrunk to fit different display ratios. Upgrading from the 4:3 to the 16:9 unit is plug and play, as shown in the video embedded below. To break that down a bit, there are several steps you must complete to remove the 4:3 display:

Remove the dashboard trim immediately to the right and left of the display. It simply pulls out, it is held by push rivets to the dashboard. Get a grip on one side of it, and pull. Be careful to support all of it as it starts to come out to avoid bending or cracking the trim.

With those two pieces removed, there are two screws that hold the 4:3 trim to the screen. Remove these screws.

Looking on the sides of the 4:3 display, there are metal levers that must be pushed up to allow the old trim to pull away from the monitor.

Unscrew the four screws that hold the 4:3 unit into the car, one top-left, one top-right, one bottom-left, and one bottom-center.

The display should now pull out of the car, held in by BMW’s navigation wiring. There are two large connectors, one white, and one blue. One of these supplies power, while the other supplies data from the trunk-mounted navigation computer. Disconnect the cables.

Installation is reverse for the 16:9 display. The display bezel just pushes on and clips into place. The 16:9 display bezel is part number 65528385451.

NAVIGATION SOFTWARE

The software is installed on the navigation computer in the trunk. The term ‘head-unit’ is not really applicable with these BMWs. The computer in the trunk controls the display in the dashboard. Some software revisions fix little bugs, while some vastly improve performance, graphics, features, etc. If you select “Settings” from the main menu on your current system, you will see in the top right a group of numbers in the format: S/W (software) X-1/YY where ‘X’ is your computer model, 1, 2, 3, or 4, and ‘YY’ is your revision number.

The latest MKIII software is SW 3-1/63 (V23). Some systems report SW 3-1/65. I can only assume that these are the same. It is not possible to install V32 on a MKIII system. I highly recommend that you upgrade to a MKIV computer for enhanced performance, perspective view maps, and DVD map capability.

You must first download your software. Refer to the links above to download your appropriate software. Download the file you wish to use, and use IMGBurn to burn the .cue file to a CD (yes, MKIV computers can read CDs in addition to DVDs). Use the slowest burn speed possible, and do verify the burn at the end. Follow the last embedded video at the end of this article for instructions.

If you have a MKIII computer, you could need what is known as a Key CD as well. This is inserted for a moment right after the software update completes. The software you’ll want to use for the MKIII will be BMW Navigation OS – (Night Mode MK3 Only – MODE2/FORM1, and can be downloaded here. The Key CD is located here. You will need to extract the file, and then burn the extracted files to a CD. For the Key CD, you will need to burn the .img file to a CD.

Now that your install disc has been created, it’s time to update your computer’s software.

Open the driver’s door, this must remain open during the entire procedure.

Put your key in position 1 (one click, lights on dash, radio on, but gauges not active yet).

Remove the map CD/DVD from the trunk computer.

Insert the burned software update CD/DVD.

Small delay (maybe 30 seconds) then update screen with progress bar.

Let the computer think, leave your door open. Installation should take between two and six minutes, depending on which computer you’re using.

When it’s done, it will say “Software Successfully Loaded”.

Remove software CD/DVD from trunk, and replace the maps disc.

Confirm your update by pressing “OK” with the right button.

The system will now reboot with your new software.

E39Source also hosts NavTweak and NavSpeak. If you know what they are and how to use them, feel free to download them and play. We assume no responsibility for any issues you create with your software. Note that these two files are not necessary at all to update/upgrade your systems. They are available, however, for users to customize and build your own software if you wish.

NAVIGATION MAPS

The software that is installed on the computer is purely the operating system. It has nothing to do with the maps and POI (points of interest) that your computer loads. This information comes from map CD/DVDs that are in the computer in the trunk. BMW sells maps discs every year, with updates to road networks and POIs. Through BMW, you’ll be spending $199 for an updated version. The choice is yours, but I’ve seen these discs, though possibly just copies, on eBay for around $25 or less. DVDs are now broken up in two parts, Eastern US, and Western US, both of which include Canada. You can purchase them together, or separately. Note that discs labeled “High” are for trunk-loading systems while discs labeled “Professional” are for in-dash iDrive computers, and won’t work on this generation of BMWs. They are not interchangeable.

I personally purchased 2015 High East and West discs for my 2000 M5 with MKIV computer and 16:9 display from eBay. The discs work great, and have all of the details/updates.

Update: The 2015 High East and West discs are the last disks that BMW will be producing for this generation of navigation equipment. I recommend that you pick up a set (part number 65902365699) while they are still available. I sourced a set on Ebay for $15.

Please read this article and watch these videos in full before commenting with questions. I have gone out of my way to make this article very thorough and comprehensive.

Thanks for the great tutorials. I have burned the CDs for my MK3, and installed the update CD into the nav computer using the instructions (door open and key in position 1). The power light is on the nav computer, and it takes the CD, but after 20-30 seconds, it just spits it back out, and the display in the car never shows anything about an update happening. Any ideas?

Are you sure you used a CD and not a DVD? Make sure it’s the right kind of CD and that you followed EACH and EVERY single exact step in the article (burning the right files, right speed, right disc type, etc).

I have a problem with my MKIV in my E46. My display is very jittery and flickers to the extent where you cannot see what is being shown. It sometimes settles, but only for about 5 seconds. I have updated the software to the latest, modifed one (with the M splash logo) because I thought it might be a software problem, but the display still flickers.

Do you know what it could be?

Should I open the unit and inspect the connections? I heard it may be a connection problem with the ribbon cable.

I would firstly check the connections coming out of the MKIV computer, and then the ones going into the 16:9. Re-seat those. Then the ribbon cables in the display should be checked next. This is not common, and and I can’t say with 100% certainty what the problem is. Good luck!

Hi Damyan,
I’ve got an E46 with the On-Board Monitor that was having similar issues to what you’re describing. If the above doesn’t work, trying taking apart the monitor and cleaning the dust off the rear circuit board. I did this and my monitor has been clear ever since.
I don’t know if what I did was just a coincidence or it actually fixed it, but I feel its worth a shot before spending money on replacing parts
Regards,
Christian